Lyme disease on Marriages

March 11, 2014

Lyme disease on Marriages-Its Effects

Lyme disease can be the cause of rift in marriages if not treated early

Many people suffering from this disease (Lyme disease) are usually not aware of how it can be the contributing factor to the short comings in their marriages or just relationships. Lyme disease can cause increasing irritability and dramatic flares of anger and because of this relationship will almost automatically be affected.

While some Lyme patients become verbally abusive, others lose confidence and withdraw from social situations. For instance a couple who were out going may suddenly find this changing drastically where one is infected with the disease. The healthy one may wonder and ask “what has or is happening to you? We use to go out together and have good time you were so full of life, but now you’re not yourself, you have changed completely.”

This new development in marriages and relationships possess serious need to have the society educated and particularly couples to enable them cope with the new situation. Some Physicians who may not know that Lyme causes personality changes may be dismissive or sharply critical of the patient. This should not be the case instead complete awareness must be embraced.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Domestic Violence

Lyme disease often strikes an entire families and the result is a higher incidence of divorce, family dysfunction, and domestic violence. “Tempers flare and you see increasing conflict. It is like an injury of the brain where patient are less able to think things through, and tend to act impulsively. A mother may suddenly lash out at her child and a husband may lose control and abuse his wife. We must not underestimate the role of infectious disease in domestic violence in our homes.

This can be complicated further if, in addition to Lyme disease, a patient has another tick-borne infection called Babesia, several infections can be transmitted by the same tick, and when Babesia is added to Lyme, this may make the patient more aggressive. “It’s like putting a match to gasoline.” This may explain why there are many cases in court about domestic violence. If not properly managed, then we will continue to hear news of people assaulting and killing their spouses and children more often.

People with Lyme disease alone usually don’t go to these extremes. However, they may be irritable and prone to sudden rages. Young people are the most likely to act out, so many straight-A kids whose grades suddenly start to slip. Then they rebel against the family and start fighting with their peers. They can also turn their rage against themselves. “Feeling suicidal comes in waves and these reactions are very hard to predict. However, these kids generally improve after being treated with antibiotics.”

Lyme disease on Marriages-Losing Control of Life

When Lyme disease goes undiagnosed or isn’t treated long enough it can reined economy of a business enterprise or an individual hence the pronouncement of bankruptcy of businesses and destruction of whole careers.

Recently a chief executive officer (CEO) of an insurance company was diagnosed with Lyme disease and given antibiotics but he over looked the medication and didn’t take them long enough. Months later, his symptoms returned with a vengeance. He had ghoulish nightmares and woke up drenched. At work, he felt anxious and couldn’t concentrate. Eventually he forgot everything he’d learned about insurance. When he neglected to send in a disability payment on his own policy, the company denied his claim. “This man lost tens of thousands of dollars that would have helped him through his illness.” “In the end, he had to sell his building and disband his business.”

People with Lyme disease often have trouble keeping up with ordinary tasks—one Connecticut housewife walked into the library, dumped her dry cleaning on the counter, and waited with increasing irritation for an attendant to help her. Finally a friend walked up and asked, “Don’t you know where you are?”

Lyme disease can also affect the part of the brain that deals with signs and symbols—making it hard to read maps or drive from place to place. A real estate agent with Lyme disease stopped at a traffic light. When the signal turned green she didn’t move. An angry motorist yelled, “What’s the matter with you. Why can’t you go on the green?” The woman replied, “I’ve forgotten what green means.” It may sound funny but it isn’t.

Lyme produces a microedema, or swelling in the brain. This affects your ability to process information. It’s like finding out that there’s LSD in the punch, and you’re not sure what’s going to happen next or if you’re going to be in control of your own thoughts. Physicians say that these symptoms can be alleviated or reversed with antibiotics, but they again stress that Lyme disease must be diagnosed early and treated right away.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Treating Lyme disease

Most doctors prescribe three to four weeks of antibiotics for initial cases of Lyme disease. Yet according to the ILADS, this is not enough. The Lyme bacteria have a “cloaking device” that enables it to hide in the cells and body tissues. If it’s not completely eradicated, symptoms will recur and with great intensity. To avoid relapses, ILADS recommended six to eight weeks of antibiotics.

When Lyme disease moves into a chronic stage, it’s more likely to lead to neurological or psychiatric conditions. Chronic Lyme patients are harder to cure and may need to take antibiotics—orally or intravenously—for months as a time. In this case, ILADS recommends continuing treatment for at least six to eight weeks after all symptoms are resolved.

Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed and it’s costing our healthcare system untold millions of dollars. “No one is spared, neither young nor old and each individual can display a puzzling array of symptoms. This illness can have a wide-ranging effect on marriages, families and jobs.” We must therefore take all the necessary precautions to ensure safety when affected, but better still is to take preventive measures. At least this way we will be safe and well.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Its Effects

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

March 8, 2014

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE-SERIOUS PROBLEM

Prescription drug abuse is becoming a major scourge to the society today

Much as recreational use of prescription drugs is a serious problem with virtually everyone, teens and young adults are most affected. Resent studies shows that teens are more likely to have abused a prescription drug than an illegal street drug. Many teens think prescription drugs are safe because they were prescribed by a doctor. But taking them for nonmedical use to get high or “self-medicate” can be just as dangerous and addictive as taking illegal street drugs. There are very serious health risks in taking prescription drugs. This is why they are taken only under the care of a doctor. And even then, they have to be closely monitored to avoid addiction or other problems. Many pills look the same. It is extremely dangerous to take any pill that you are uncertain about or was not prescribed for you. People can also have different reactions to drugs due to the differences in each person’s body chemistry. A drug that was okay for one person could be very risky, even fatal, for someone else.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ABUSE-WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

Due to their potential for abuse and addiction, many prescription drugs have been categorized by the US Drug Enforcement Administration in the same category as opium or cocaine. These include Ritalin and Dexedrine (stimulants), and the painkillers OxyContin, Demerol and Roxanol. Many illegal street drugs were at one time used or prescribed by doctors or psychiatrists but were later banned when the evidence of their harmful effects could no longer be ignored. Examples are heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine and Ecstasy. Abuse of prescription drugs can be even riskier than the abuse of illegally manufactured drugs. The high potency of some of the synthetic (man-made) drugs available as prescription drugs creates a high overdose risk. This is particularly true of OxyContin and similar painkillers, where overdose deaths more than doubled over a five-year period.

Prescription drugs abuse-Types of abused prescription drugs

Prescription drugs that are taken for recreational use include the following major categories: 1. Depressants: Often referred to as central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressants, these drugs slow brain function. They include sedatives (used to make a person calm and drowsy) and tranquilizers (intended to reduce tension or anxiety). 2. Opioids and morphine derivatives: Generally referred to as painkillers, these drugs contain opium or opium-like substances and are used to relieve pain. 3. Stimulants: A class of drugs intended to increase energy and alertness but which also increase blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. 4. Antidepressants: Psychiatric drugs that are supposed to handle depression.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE-DEPRESSANTS

Sometimes called “downers,” these drugs come in multicolored tablets and capsules or in liquid form. Some drugs in this category, such as Zyprexa, Seroquel and Haldol, are known as “major tranquilizers” or “antipsychotics,” as they are supposed to reduce the symptoms of mental illness. Depressants such as Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion and Librium are often referred to as “benzos” (short for benzodiazepines). Other depressants, such as Amytal, Numbutal and Seconal, are classed as barbiturates—drugs that are used as sedatives and sleeping pills. Effects of Depressants Higher doses can cause impairment of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. Some people experience the opposite of the intended effect, such as agitation or aggression. Using sedatives (drugs used to calm or soothe) and tranquilizers with other substances, particularly alcohol, can slow breathing and the heart rate and even lead to death. Tolerance of too many depressants can develop rapidly, with larger doses needed to achieve the same effect. The user, trying to reach the same high, may raise the dose to a level that results in coma or death by overdose. Long-term use of depressants can produce depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, sexual problems and sleep problems. As a dependency on the drug increases, cravings, anxiety or panic are common if the user is unable to get more. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, weakness and nausea. For continual and high-dose users, agitation, high body temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions can occur. Unlike withdrawal from most drugs, withdrawal from depressants can be life-threatening. These drugs can also increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and weight gain (instances of up to 100 pounds have been reported). In a study conducted by USA today, based on Food and Drug Administration data over a four-year period, antipsychotics (a type of depressant) were the prime suspects in forty-five deaths caused by heart problems, choking, liver failure and suicide. ROHYPNOL Rohypnol is a tranquilizer about ten times more potent than Valium. The drug is available as a white or olive-green pill and is usually sold in the manufacturer’s bubble packaging. Users crush the pills and snort the powder, sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it, dissolve it in a drink or inject it.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE-ROHYPNOL EFFECTS

Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable of resisting, giving it the reputation of a “date-rape” drug. Rohypnol users often describe its effects as “paralyzing.” The effects start twenty to thirty minutes after taking the drug, peak within two hours and may persist for eight or even twelve hours. A person can be so incapacitated (made unable to act) they collapse. They lie on the floor, eyes open, able to observe events but completely unable to move. Afterwards, memory is impaired and they cannot recall any of what happened. The person experiences loss of muscle control, confusion, drowsiness and amnesia. Looking at the seriousness of these elements we certainly need help and we need it now. The good news is that we have AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s. In this facility the primary objective is to care for you and your health the natural way. No chemical no side effects it’s all about what is right and good for you. Doctor Akoury focuses on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Where-else can you get help? Certainly none, this is the place to be.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE-SERIOUS PROBLEM

Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant

March 7, 2014

Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Find out from Experts

the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant have great effect on the unborn child

We don’t know for sure how much alcohol is safe for you to have while you’re pregnant. That’s why experts tend to advise that you either don’t have any alcohol in pregnancy, or that you at least don’t drink alcohol for the first three months of your pregnancy.

If you drink alcohol during the last six months of your pregnancy, you should have no more than one or two units, once or twice a week. You shouldn’t drink enough to feel drunk.

Heavy, regular or binge drinking is dangerous for your baby. A heavy drinker is someone who is regularly drinking six or more units of alcohol a day, but rarely feels drunk.

A binge drinker can be defined as someone who may not drink for days at a time, but then drinks five or more units of alcohol in a short space of time, or drinks with the purpose of getting drunk.
Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Why is alcohol a problem

Alcohol is a toxin. When you drink alcohol, it rapidly reaches your baby through the placenta, via your bloodstream. Heavy, regular or binge drinking can cause miscarriage and premature birth. Too much alcohol can even increase the risk of your baby being stillborn.

If you drink too much alcohol during pregnancy, it can permanently damage your developing baby’s cells. This could affect how your baby’s face, organs and brain grow.

Heavy drinking can also damage your baby’s nervous system. This can mean that your baby develops fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), with problems that can range from mild learning difficulties or social problems, through to birth defects.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is at the extreme end of the spectrum of disorders. Babies with FAS tend to have facial defects, be born small and carry on being small for their age. They also have learning difficulties, poor muscle tone and coordination, and behavioral problems, for the rest of their lives. Due to the harm that too much alcohol may cause an unborn baby, experts are wary of saying how much it’s safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Effect of alcohol to the unborn baby

The effect on your baby of drinking alcohol in pregnancy depends on:

how much alcohol you have
at what stage in pregnancy you drink alcohol
how often you drink alcohol

Some experts think that some learning difficulties and memory problems in children may be adduced to their mother’s drinking alcohol during their last trimester. This is when your baby is growing more, and his brain is developing.

Binge drinking can be particularly harmful. If you binge drink, you are at more risk of having a baby with FAS than if you drink the same amount over a longer period.

However, drinking on a regular basis may also cause problems in developing babies. Some studies have suggested that regular drinking of nine or more units spread out over a week may lead to attention problems in some children, and cause them to have a low IQ.
Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Light drinking in pregnancy

Experts are divided about the potential effects of occasional or light drinking. Light drinking is no more than one unit to two units of alcohol, no more than once or twice a week.

Some studies have shown that light drinking isn’t harmful for your baby. But other studies have reported that any alcohol taken during pregnancy may be harmful.

The Department of Health recommends that pregnant women, and women who are trying to conceive, shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. This in my view is fine however many ladies wonder about the effects that may be there if they drunk before knowing that they are already pregnant.
The important thing is to cut out alcohol, or at least be careful about how much you drink, as soon as you find out that you’re expecting.

Many women have a few drinks before realizing they are pregnant. Babies have a habit of turning up when they’re least expected, and many babies conceived around the time of a night out drinking have been fine. However, we don’t know for sure what a few drinks over a short period early in pregnancy can do to a developing baby. That’s why the Department of Health recommends that you give up drinking shortly before getting pregnant.
Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Alternative drinks

Not drinking alcohol or cutting down on how much you drink, may be easy if nausea or sickness puts you off it in early pregnancy. But if you tend to have alcohol to help you to unwind, giving up may be harder. Try replacing a glass of beer or wine with other stress-easing pleasures, such as a warm bath, soft music, a beauty treatment, exercise or reading. If you miss the ritual of drinking, switch to non-alcoholic beer or wine during your evening meal. Doing all these may not be easy for many people and a lot would still find them struggling to give up alcohol. If you’re finding it hard to cut down on your own, or think you might have a drink problem, your doctor or midwife can help. They are professionals and won’t judge you. It’s their job to help you to have a healthy pregnancy. Asking for help just shows how much you care about your baby and yourself.

Dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant-Find out from Experts

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people

March 7, 2014

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-A growing problem

Drugs and alcohol addiction is very common with the older people these days, quick solution is needed

One of the treasures of life is growing old or simply old age no wonder the saying “old is gold.” Everyone would like to live and see their third and even fourth generation. Therefore as we get older, our bodies begin to react differently to alcohol and medications than when we were younger. Older people having lived that long are for sure taken many different medications, these medications may sometimes not mix well with each other or with alcoholic drinks.

Many at times if older people do not adjust for these changes in their bodies and do not use medications safely they may ignorantly experience problems with substance misuse (without even knowing it). Some physical and mental problems that people think are just a normal part of aging or the result of an illness may actually be caused by drinking too much, incorrect use of medications, or mixing medications and alcohol unsafely.

Talking with doctors, pharmacists, and other health professionals can help an older person and family members stop problems with alcohol and medications before they start. Being aware of the possible dangers and warning signs is important too. Those needing help with alcohol or other drug problems should talk with their doctor or nurse. Help is available, and older adults often recover from substance abuse problems better than younger people. By changing the way they use medications and drink alcohol, many older people feel better physically and mentally, and have less illness and disability.

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-Substance misuse
Substance misuse and abuse for older adults can mean many things. It may include the use of drugs that can change your mood, such as alcohol, tranquilizers, or illegal drugs. Substance misuse also includes “risky drinking” or unsafe use of medications. Any substance misuse or abuse can cause serious health problems and problems with family and friends, finances and even with the laws of the land and authorities.

Risky drinking
Risky drinking is when someone drinks alcohol in ways that may not have caused problems yet, but may cause problems if the same drinking pattern is kept up. For some older people, this can mean drinking more than the recommended amounts. For some older adults with certain health problems or who take certain medications, this can mean drinking any alcohol.

Medication misuse
Using any prescription or over-the-counter drug without following the prescription is drug misuse. This includes using too much or too little, or not taking it on the schedule the doctor recommended. With over-the-counter drugs, like cough syrup or aspirin, medication misuse can mean taking more than the package says or taking it too often.

Some medications don’t mix well with alcohol or with other medications. For example, it is unsafe to drink alcohol when you are taking medications for sleeping, pain, anxiety or depression. Because many medications remain in your body for many hours, even if you take a medication in the morning, but have a drink with dinner, the alcohol-drug mix may cause problems. Over-the-counter medications or herbal drugs can also cause problems when taken with other medications or alcohol.

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-Dangers of substance misuse
A large number of older adults misuse alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances, and this number is growing bigger. Almost one in every five older people drinks alcohol or use medications unsafely. You don’t have to drink first thing in the morning or drink every day to have problems caused by drinking. For some older people, any alcohol use can be a problem. It all depends on how your body responds to alcohol, the medications you may be taking, your current health, and what else is going on in your life.

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-Why are the dangers different for older people?
Getting older causes changes in your body that can make you respond differently to alcohol and medications. These changes mean that there are differences between the way older adults and younger adults’ bodies can handle alcohol. For example, the same “couple of beers” you may have been drinking for years can affect you differently as you get older. The same amount of alcohol or number of drinks that had hardly any effect before can now makes someone feel drunk.

This means that as people get older, they can feel the effects with less alcohol (increased sensitivity) and they can’t drink as much as they used to hence the need to decrease tolerance to alcohol. Also, alcohol is processed by the body (metabolized) more slowly in older bodies, so blood alcohol levels are higher for a longer amount of time after drinking. This may mean increased danger of accidents, falls, and injuries for older adults even many hours after they drink alcohol.

Statistics indicate that older people are more likely to have at least one chronic illness. Many chronic illnesses can make people more likely to have bad reactions to alcohol. Drinking problems can also be more hidden among older people as they are more likely to drink at home, don’t have to show up at work the day after drinking, drive less after drinking, and may see friends or other people less frequently.

People of 65 years and above take more prescription and over-the-counter medications than any other age group in the today’s society. Prescription drug misuse and abuse is common among old these group because more drugs are prescribed to them and also because getting older makes the body more likely to feel the effects of drugs (just like with alcohol). Many older adults have problems because some medications don’t combine well with other medications. Drinking alcohol with some medications also causes problems for many older adults.

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-Prevention of alcohol abuse in old people

Drinking alcohol or using medications unsafely can make many physical and mental health problems worse. Some of the physical conditions that are made worse by drinking alcohol are liver disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems, and sleep problems. Alcohol consumption can also slow healing and recovery from injuries and surgeries. Alcohol can also make it harder for doctors to correctly diagnosis some medical conditions. Therefore when you have a physical or mental health condition then you must not mix the medication with alcohol.

To avoid old age alcohol addiction, we must identify the roots. It will be healthy to educate young people on the effect of alcohol abuse so that the number of young people drinking is reduced and eventually the old latter on.

The company you keep can influence you to alcohol addiction. It is therefore necessary that you desire only to associate with sober people and shun the drinking friends.

Keen observation of the warning signs of alcohol related problem and when noticed an immediate medical attention is sought.

Keep to the sober environment, living near and around entertainment sports like bars, clubs may bring negative influence. A voiding such environment will helps the temptations and influence.

Drugs and alcohol problems for older people-A growing problem

Denial, Fear and Addiction Recovery

March 6, 2014

Denial, Fear and Addiction Recovery-Its Possible

to overcome addiction you must face it fear and denial are obstacles

The phenomenon of addiction recovery may not be properly understood without the clear acceptance of the two adjectives (denial and fear). Let’s then try to make known of these facts about addiction recovery.

Denial

Addictions don’t happen overnight. Instead, recreational drug or alcohol use, over time, can lead to an addiction. Many times the user may not even be aware that this line (addiction) has been crossed. As well, some users who think they might be addicted believe it is only when they are hurting. The first step of beating addiction is admitting that you are addicted.

Fear

Admitting that you have an addiction means facing it, and that can be very difficult. Many addicts will experience various fears including fear of judgment when others find out, fear of letting down their loved ones, fear of losing their job, and fear of change. No one said that beating addiction would be easy, but it will be worth it.

When addiction set in the family many times your family members often don’t knows what to do. Their lives have been turned upside down. Every waking moment becomes weighed down with serious concerns. You may have promised many times to end your addiction and get help. As they look back, the explanations for the hours lost, the money spent and the emotional trauma, are now clearer. These losses are the many sad faces of addiction. You’re not yet ready to stop you may only be capable of empty promises and guilt-ridden apologies. What can they do? What can you do?

When you seek professional help, you and your family are scared. You may be more frightened than ever before. Your secrets will be exposed. You may find yourself willing to do anything at this point to avoid getting help. Lying (best with a straight face and indignation) is typical. You may promise anything to take the pressure off. If that doesn’t work, you lash back: “What right do you have to tell me what to do? If you don’t stop questioning me, our relationship is over.” The fear and hostility may be palpable.

Family members will find no easy ways to guide you into care. You’re in a cycle of denial and fear, fueled by shame, resentment, and deep inner pain. You feel so alone that you become hardened to the emotional outbursts and rage of loved ones. Professional help is strongly recommended if you’re at this point.

Denial, Fear and Addiction Recovery-How an intervention works

An intervention is an objective, caring, nonjudgmental process. You’re confronted with the reality of your actions by those adversely affected. The objective is to motivate you to accept help. Although your family is definitely involved, a professional interventionist guides the process.

The purpose of any intervention method is to help you confront your denial of problems and your fear of change, and to help you get into care. The interventionist is trained to communicate supportively, helping you accept your need for help and educating you and your family about addiction. She provides a link to treatment, ensuring that the right treatment center is found and contacted and that background preparation for your entry is completed. You’re invited to a meeting but you may not be told much about the purpose of the meeting. At the meeting, which is carefully planned and structured, concerned persons express love and caring while describing, in behavioral terms, how you’re affecting them. They express their wishes and needs for you to enter treatment.

Concerned persons need to state concerns clearly, without lapsing into accusations and anger. One simple skill is to communicate with an “I” message versus a “you” message. For example, “I feel sad” versus “You make me feel sad.” Describing behavior versus voicing feelings, opinions, and judgments is a learned skill. It is based on making references to the actions that are clearly observable, like those that could be captured on video or audiotape, for example.

During the intervention, the realistic consequences of not entering treatment are described, matter-of-factly. The consequences may include separation or divorce, the refusal of adult children to attend family functions, job loss, and loss of friendships. Other people can’t control your decisions and behavior. They can only control their responses to your decisions and behavior.

The intervention process often exposes weaknesses in the family system. Families who have long suffered from a member’s addictive behavior may be angry and punitive. Or they may be numbed into temporary or chronic states of no longer caring about what happens to you. Conversely, they may fear reprisals for breaking your secrets and the codes of silence that have helped you maintain your addictive behavior. The denial of problems and disbelief in the potential for change often add up to turning a blind eye to your addictive behavior. The interventionist has to balance the goal (getting you into treatment) with the complex communications of family members who may have old and new issues to settle.

Most interventionists and experienced clinicians are specialists in helping you move past your denial and increasing your motivation for treatment. To achieve this goal, they use a motivational interview.

The motivational interview has become one of the more powerful interventions to help you. Such an interview is conducted by a trained professional and is designed to help you go beyond your guilt, fear, and anger to participate in healthy decision-making. The interventionist helps you consider your decisions practically, in terms of what you stand to gain by change and what you stand to lose by change — and what you gain and lose by not changing. The goal is to help you make an informed decision about treatment.

Denial, Fear and Addiction Recovery-Intervention principles

There are ten general principles that influence the decision to intervene and that guide the intervention process. They include:

Your behavior is causing significant damage in your life.

Denial is preventing you from fully appreciating the damage the addiction is doing to you and your life.

You’re unlikely to seek help on your own.

The people involved with you can change the environment by changing the enabling system — making it more likely that you will seek help.

The sense of genuine concern and understanding conveyed by the interventionist is one of the most important factors in influencing you to seek help.

Anger and punitive measures have no place in interventions, because they increase your defenses, making it less likely you’ll seek help.

The consequences for not going into treatment should not be designed to punish but rather to protect your health and well-being.

You require an initial period of intensive treatment such as a 28-day residential program or an intensive outpatient program to address your denial.

The intervention may be useful even if you aren’t likely to go to treatment.

The intervention isn’t a confrontation. Rather, it is a well-organized expression of genuine concern for you, given a chronic and serious addiction problem.

Category Archives: Dr. Dalal Akoury